Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of growing up, with new eSafety research showing almost four in five Australian children aged 10 to 17 have used an AI assistant. While AI assistants are commonly associated with helping people learn, create content and complete tasks, the research shows children are increasingly using these tools to seek advice, reassurance and to discuss sensitive personal issues.
The research found 78 per cemt of children aged 10 to 17 had used an AI assistant, with ChatGPT the most commonly used tool. Among children who had used AI assistants or companions, 28 per cent were using them a few times a week, while one in five were using them daily or more often.
More than half of children who had used AI assistants or companions said they had used them for personal or social reasons, including asking for advice about situations in their lives, discussing physical or mental health, talking about feelings or simply having someone to chat with.
Children’s use of AI also changes as they grow older. Younger children were more likely to use AI for entertainment, curiosity and chatting, while teenagers increasingly turned to AI for advice about life situations, physical health and mental health.
Talking to machines
The report, Talking to machines: Children’s experiences with AI assistants and companions, surveyed almost 2,000 Australian children aged 10 to 17 to better understand how they are using AI, the opportunities these technologies provide, and the online safety considerations emerging as AI becomes more embedded in children’s lives.
The research explored children’s use of both AI assistants and AI companions. AI assistants are generally designed to help people learn, answer questions, solve problems and complete everyday tasks. AI companions are designed primarily for ongoing conversations, friendship and emotional support.
While relatively few children reported using dedicated AI companions (for example, Character.AI and Anima AI), the research found many are already using mainstream AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, in similar ways by seeking advice, discussing personal issues and looking for reassurance.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the findings reinforce the importance of helping families manage these changes with confidence.
‘Parents are navigating rapid changes in technology alongside everything else that comes with raising children today. Artificial intelligence is evolving quickly, and children are finding new ways to incorporate AI into their daily lives.
‘Many parents will recognise that their children use AI to help with homework or answer questions, and many are using these tools in positive ways. What this research also shows is that young people are also turning to these tools for advice, reassurance and conversations about personal issues. Our role is to help families understand how children’s use is evolving so they can support safe, healthy and balanced use of these services.’
Engagement
For many children, AI begins as a practical tool before becoming something they may turn to for more personal advice.
This gives parents a valuable opportunity to engage early, establish healthy digital habits and build children’s critical thinking skills before AI becomes a more trusted source of knowledge or support.
The report also found children are increasingly asking AI questions about their physical and mental health. While AI can be a useful source of information, the findings highlight the importance of helping children understand when it’s better to talk to a parent, teacher or another trusted person, particularly when it comes to their wellbeing.
‘It’s encouraging that many children are exploring these technologies thoughtfully, but they also need to understand that AI has its limits. AI is not a trusted adult and cannot replace those key human interactions when children need advice, support or help with their wellbeing,’ said Ms Inman Grant.
‘Open, honest and non-judgemental conversations remain one of the best ways parents can help children think critically about AI, understand its limitations and make informed decisions about when and how to use it.’
Risks
While many children reported positive experiences using AI, the research also identified emerging safety risks.
One in five children who had used an AI assistant or companion reported experiencing a potentially inappropriate or harmful interaction, including controlling behaviour, harmful advice, bullying or exposure to hateful content.
Around one in three children who had used an AI assistant or companion also reported sharing personal or sensitive information with an AI tool, including photographs or personal secrets.
The findings also reinforce the importance of AI providers building safety into their products from the outset.
Ms Inman Grant said technology providers have the responsibility to ensure the safety of their services.
‘As AI becomes more integrated into children’s daily lives, providers must ensure safety keeps pace with innovation. Children deserve AI services that prioritise their safety and wellbeing from the outset,’ she said.
‘That means building strong safeguards into services, discouraging the unnecessary sharing of sensitive personal information, reducing the risk of harmful interactions, and considering children’s developmental needs throughout the design process. Safety by Design has never been more important.’
Company obligations
Australia’s online safety codes and standards, already require certain online services, including certain generative AI as well as AI chatbot and companion services, to implement safeguards to help prevent children being exposed to, or generating, harmful material.
These obligations cover both unlawful material, such as synthetic child sexual exploitation material and pro-terror material, and age-restricted material including online pornography, self-harm, disordered eating, suicidal ideation and violence.
The age-restricted material codes commenced on 9 March 2026. eSafety is engaging with AI companies and other online services to ensure their compliance, including requiring providers to demonstrate how they are meeting their obligations under the codes. Companies that fail to comply may face civil penalties of up to $54.6m.
The report also highlights opportunities to strengthen children’s digital and algorithmic literacy by helping them understand how AI works, recognise its strengths and limitations, protect their privacy and personal information, and develop healthy digital habits. Alongside stronger industry safeguards, eSafety says these skills will become increasingly important as AI continues to become a normal part of children’s everyday lives.
Parents and carers can find practical advice about artificial intelligence, alongside free webinars and online safety resources, at eSafety.gov.au, including guidance for young people on critical thinking.
If you or someone you know experiences serious online abuse or harmful online content, report it to the relevant service first. You can also report it to eSafety at eSafety.gov.au.
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